End of season report, Number 16: Richard Wood

Last updated : 05 June 2008 By C. Morris

He may still be a young player but Richard Wood is the longest-serving player at the club and in the absence of Bullen he has been the leader of a young and inexperienced back-four for much of the season.

In previous seasons, Wood has made needless mistakes and has been found wanting for pace by some of the faster strikers around but this term he has cut down on the errors and has become more positionally aware in order to combat the threat of real pace.

He has also been a real presence in the air when the Owls have come under pressure, making countless clearances and has also been a threat in the opposition's penalty area.

In what was a very disappointing season for Wednesday it is rather telling that most of the defensive players have performed creditably with there was little of note from much of the midfield and the strikers as a result had little to work with.

Overall verdict: 8 out of 10. Slotted in well on his return to the side and led a young back line with maturity.